Animal feeder

ABSTRACT

An animal feeder comprises a vertical portion having a front side, a back side, a left side, and a right side. A first groove extends continuously through each of the left side, the front side, and the right side. At least a part of the back side is generally concave to facilitate the securement of the feeder to a tree. An angular portion of the feeder extends from the vertical portion at an angle. The angular portion has a mouth with a stop. The vertical portion and the angular portion collectively define a cavity configured for retaining animal feed. The cavity is accessible at least at the mouth. The back side comprises a channel, a first bracket, and a second bracket, each of which are collectively configured for securement of a T-post.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/786,154 filed Mar. 14, 2013, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of animal feeders. Morespecifically, the invention relates to the field of gravity fed animalfeeders.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gravity fed animal feeders are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 8,201,520 to Meritt discloses a gravity fed animal feeder having ahopper supported by a frame and a plurality of feed dispensing tubeshaving angled portions. Each feed dispensing tube is connected to anopening in the hopper. Flow control baffles or valves are provided tolimit dispensation of the feed. The hopper may be accessed by a ladderconnected to a platform mounted on the hopper.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,891,317 to Bodenstab et al. discloses a gravity fedanimal feeder having a hopper supported by a frame. The hopper has astorage reservoir for storing feed, and a feed entry opening. The hopperalso includes a feeding chute that is sealingly joined to a feedingchamber. The feeding chamber has a feed supporting surface that allowsthe feed to move from the reservoir into the chamber by gravity.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for dispensing feed to animals are disclosed herein.According to one embodiment, an animal feeder comprises a first portionhaving a first front side and a first back side, a second portion havinga second front side and a second back side, a third portion having athird front side and a third back side, and a fourth portion. The firstportion, the second portion, and the third portion extend generallyvertically, and the fourth portion extends from the third portion at anangle. The first front side has a first groove configured foraccommodating a first strap, and the third front side has a secondgroove configured for accommodating a second strap. The second back sidehas a first bracket, and the third back side has a second bracket. Thefirst portion, the second portion, the third portion, and the fourthportion collectively define a cavity for retaining animal feed. Thesecond back side is generally concave to facilitate the securement ofthe feeder to a tree. A channel extends continuously through the thirdback side and at least a part of the second back side. The firstbracket, the second bracket, and the channel are collectively configuredfor securement of a T-post.

According to another embodiment, an animal feeder comprises a verticalportion having a front side, a back side, a left side, and a right side.A first groove extends continuously through each of the left side, thefront side, and the right side. At least a part of the back side isgenerally concave to facilitate the securement of the feeder to a tree.An angular portion extends from the vertical portion at an angle. Theangular portion has a mouth with a stop. The vertical portion and theangular portion collectively define a cavity configured for retaininganimal feed. The cavity is accessible at least at the mouth. The backside comprises a channel, a first bracket, and a second bracket, each ofwhich are collectively configured for securement of a T-post.

According to yet another embodiment, an animal feeder comprises avertical portion having a front side, a back side, a left side, and aright side. A first groove extends continuously through each of the leftside, the front side, and the right side. The first groove is configuredfor accommodating a first strap. At least a part of the back side isgenerally concave to facilitate the securement of the feeder to a tree.An angular portion extends from the vertical portion at an obtuse angle.The angular portion has a mouth with an adjustable stop. A lid isremovably secured to the vertical portion. The vertical portion and theangular portion collectively define a cavity configured for retaininganimal feed. The cavity is accessible at least at the mouth. The backside comprises a channel, a first bracket, and a second bracket. Thefirst bracket, the second bracket, and the channel are collectivelyconfigured for securement of a T-post. At least one of the first bracketand the second bracket comprise a notch for accepting a clip of theT-post.

According to yet another embodiment, a feeder for animals comprises afood receiving body having a front side and a back side. The back sideis adapted to securedly receive a post. A top opening is provided forreceiving feed into the body. The feeder further comprises a forwardlyextending portion near a bottom of the body. The forwardly extendingportion defines a mouth for presenting feed to animals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a gravity fed animal feeder,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gravity fed animal feeder ofFIG. 1, shown being secured to a fence T-post;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the gravity fed animal feeder ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another rear perspective view of the gravity fed animal feederof FIG. 1, showing a V-shaped groove in a back side of the feeder;

FIG. 5 is yet another perspective view of the gravity fed animal feederof FIG. 1, shown being secured to a tree via straps; and

FIG. 6 is still another perspective view of the gravity fed animalfeeder of FIG. 1 secured via a fence T-post to a weighted base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods forfeeding domestic and wild animals, such as game birds, deer, elk, etcetera. Reference may be made herein to terms such as left, right,front, rear, top, bottom, and the like. These references are exemplaryonly and are used to describe the invention in a typical orientation,but are not independently limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a gravity fed animal feeder100, according to an embodiment of the current invention. As can beseen, the feeder 100 may have a front side 100F, a back side 100B (FIG.3), a left side 100L (FIG. 5), and a right side 100R. The feeder 100 mayhave a first portion 102, a second portion 104, and a third portion 106.The first portion 102 may have a front side 102F, a back side 102B (FIG.3), a left side 102L (FIG. 5), and a right side 102R. The second portion104 may have a front side 104F, a back side 104B (FIG. 3), a left side104L (FIG. 5), and a right side 104R. Similarly, the third portion 106may have a front side 106F, a back side 106B (FIG. 3), a left side 106L(FIG. 5), and a right side 106R. Each of the first portion 102, thesecond portion 104, and the third portion 106 may extend generallyvertically (and may collectively be referred to herein as the “verticalportion” or the “food receiving body”) More specifically, the secondportion 104 may extend generally vertically from the first portion 102,and the third portion 106 may extend generally vertically from thesecond portion 104. Thus, as can be seen, in the vertical plane, thesecond portion 104 may be below the first portion 102 and above thethird portion 106. A fourth (or “angular” or “forwardly extending”)portion 108 may, in the vertical plane, extend at an angle A (FIG. 5)from the third portion 106 and have a mouth 110M. In the preferredembodiment, the angle A may be an obtuse angle (e.g., 100°, 120°, etcetera). However, in other embodiments, the angle A may be a rightangle, or even an acute angle. Further, in some embodiments, the fourthportion 108 may extend from the third portion 106 at an angle in thehorizontal plane (e.g., the mouth 110M may be oriented to the left or tothe right of the front side 100F of the feeder).

The first portion 102 may include a first groove or indentation 112 thatextends generally continuously at the left side 102L, the front side102F, and the right side 102R of the first portion 102. The first groove112 may extend substantially horizontally, and may, at least in someembodiments, not extend at the back side 102B of the first portion 102(FIG. 3). On the front side 110F, the left side 100L, and the right side100R of the feeder 100, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104may be separated by the first groove 112.

The third portion 106 may similarly include a second groove orindentation 114 that extends generally continuously at the left side106L, the front side 106F, and the right side 106R of the third portion106. The second groove 114, at least in some embodiments, may not extendat the back side 106B of the third portion 106 (see FIG. 3), and may, insome or all locations, be substantially horizontal. On the front side110F, the left side 100L, and the right side 100R of the feeder 100, thesecond portion 104 and the third portion 106 may be separated by thesecond groove 114.

The second portion 104 may include a slight taper, i.e., a width 116 ofa top part 104T of the second portion 104 may be greater than a width120 of a bottom part 104U of the second portion 104 (see FIG. 5). Thefront side 104F of the second portion 104 may include a recessed portion122. The recessed portion 122 may be configured for placement ofindicia, or for securement of tags having indicia (e.g., foradvertising). In some embodiments, the recessed portion 122 may berectangular or square shaped, however, such a configuration of therecessed portion 122 is not required. In some embodiments, the recessedportion 122 may comprise two or more indented portions.

The first portion 102, the second portion 104, the third portion 106,and the fourth portion 108 may collectively form a continuous cavity124. The cavity 124 may be accessible at each of the mouth 110M and thefirst portion 102 (e.g., the first portion 102 may have a top opening O(not clearly visible) to allow access to the cavity 124). The cavity 124may be at least partially filled with animal feed (e.g., granular feed,shelled corn, protein supplement pellets, et cetera) via the top openingO in the first portion 102.

The cavity 124 may be closed at a top side 102T of the first portion 102by a removable lid or cap 126. The lid 126 may be removed to allow thecavity 124 to receive animal feed. While not clearly shown in thefigures, the lid 126 may include internal threading that correspond toexternal threading on the first portion 102 and allow the lid 126 to bescrewed thereon. Alternatively, the cap 126 may include protrudingelements that correspond to internal notches (not clearly shown) in thefirst portion 102 and enable the cap 126 to be firmly secured to thefirst portion 102. The cap 126 may have a handle 128 that allows thefeeder 100 to be conveniently transported from one location to another.

The mouth 110M may have a stop 130. The animal feed in the cavity 124may abut against the stop 130 and be prevented from exiting the mouth110M unintentionally. The mouth 110M may also include a gap or opening132 above the stop 130. The animals may access the feed at this opening132. As the feed abutting against the stop 130 is consumed by an animal,gravity may cause additional feed from the cavity 124 to take its place.

In some embodiments, a height 133 (FIG. 5) of the stop 130 may beadjustable. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the stop 130 may have alower portion 131A and an upper portion 131B that is secured to thelower portion 131A by hinges 131H or other suitable means. The upperportion 131B may be folded behind the lower portion 131A of the stop 130to decrease the height 133 of the stop 130, or may be stood upright atopthe lower portion 131A to increase the height of the stop 130. Theheight 133 of the stop 130 may thus be adjusted to account for differentsized animals and feed. For example, the height 133 of the stop 130 maybe raised to prevent large animals from accessing feed in the feeder 100that is meant for birds. In some embodiments, a separate cap (notspecifically shown) may be placed on the mouth 110M to prevent access tothe cavity 124 via the mouth 110M.

Proper securement of animal feeders is of prime importance.Specifically, if animal feeders are not firmly secured, the animals mayknock them down while feeding, which may cause the feed tounintentionally exit (e.g., through the mouth 110M) and/or hinderoperation of the feeders. Attention is now directed to FIG. 4. The backside 100B of the feeder 100 (and more particularly, the back side 104Bof the second portion 104, and in some embodiments also the back side106B of the third portion 106) may include a channel 134. The channel134 may be generally V-shaped as shown, and have a first slantingportion 134A and a second slanting portion 134B that are separated by agenerally flat middle portion 134C. The channel 134 may terminate at atop portion 136D. The channel 134 may be configured to accept fenceT-posts, which have become ubiquitous. For example, the channel 134 maybe configured to accept a T-post 138 shown in FIG. 2.

As is known, the T-post 138 may have a flat front side 140 and aprotruding member 138P extending therefrom and forming a T shape. Theprotruding member 138P may be housed within the channel 134 adjacent theflat middle portion 134C such that the top of the protruding memberabuts the top portion 136D of the channel 134 and supports the feeder100. The T-post 138 may have clips 142 (FIG. 2). A first bracket 144 maybe secured (e.g., by fasteners, glue, et cetera) to the back side 104Bof the second portion 104 adjacent the top portion 136D of the channel134, and a second bracket 146 may be secured to the back side 104B ofthe second portion 104 (or the back side 106B of the third portion 106)such that it is beneath the first bracket 144. As can be appreciated,the first bracket 144 and the second bracket 146 may in the verticalplane be generally aligned. The first bracket 144 may have a hole or gap144N at its top side. The second bracket 146 may have two notches 148Aand 148B (FIG. 4) at its top side and bottom side, respectively. Thehole 144N in the first bracket 144 and the notches 148A, 148B in thesecond bracket 146 may each be configured to mate with the clips 142 ofthe T-post 138 (see FIGS. 2, 3). Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 2, thechannel 134 and the brackets 144, 146 may allow the feeder 100 to besturdily supported upright by the T-post 138. A lower end 138 of theT-post may then be dug into the ground G or other such surface (FIG. 1).

The feeder 100 may advantageously also be secured to a tree or otherposts. Specifically, the back side 104B of the second portion 104 (and,in some embodiments, also the back side 102B of the first portion 102and/or the back side 106B of the third portion 106) may be curved inwardand be generally concave (see FIG. 3). This concave shape of the backside 104B of the second portion 104 may allow the back side 100B of thefeeder 100 to wrap around part of the tree or other similarly shapedobjects. To secure the feeder 100 to a tree 154 (see FIG. 5), the backside 100B of the feeder 100 may be placed adjacent a first side 154A ofthe tree 154. A first strap 150 may then be passed within the firstgroove 112 and secured (e.g., using standard ratchet straps, knots,fasteners, et cetera) adjacent a second side 154 b of the tree 154.Similarly, a second strap 152 may be passed within the second groove 114and secured adjacent the second side 154 b of the tree 154. Thus, inpart because of the grooves 112, 114, the feeder 100 may be sturdilysecured to a tree other objects having a generally convex surface.

As discussed above, the feeder 100 may be secured via the T-post 138 tothe ground G or other surface and/or via the straps 150 to the tree 154.In some situations, both these options for securing the feeder 100 maybe unfeasible (for example, where the feeder 100 is to be located on aconcrete surface devoid of trees). Attention is directed now to FIG. 6,which shows the T-post 138 being secured to a weighted block 160. Theappearance of the weighted block 160 may be configured to emulate aforest, a park, a ranch, et cetera, to entice animals to use the feeder100. For example, the weighted block 160 may comprise grass 162 and sand164, which may make the feeder 100 more approachable to the animals. Theweight of the weighted block 160 may be configured so as to allow theblock 160 to safely support the feeder 100 via the T-post 138. Thus, thefeeder 100 may conveniently be transported along with the weighted block160 and be securely placed for use at any conceivable location. Whilenot required, in some embodiments, the weighted block 160 may beconfigured to be filled with water after it is placed at the desiredlocation (i.e., the weight of the water may be used to ensure that theweighted block 160 adequately supports the feeder 100). Such aconfiguration may further increase the ease with which the feeder 100may be transported.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present inventionhave been described with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisanmay develop alternative means of implementing the aforementionedimprovements without departing from the scope of the present invention.While the first portion 102, the second portion 104, the third portion106, and fourth portions 108 have been described as being distinct,people of skill in the art will appreciate that they may be of unitaryconstruction. Further, the size (and/or shape) of the feeder 100depicted in the figures is exemplary only, and may be varied fordifferent applications.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Notall steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in thespecific order described.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An animal feeder, comprising: a firstportion having a first front side and a first back side; the first frontside having a first groove configured for accommodating a first strap; asecond portion having a second front side and a second back side; thesecond back side having a first bracket; the second portion extendinggenerally vertically from the first portion; a third portion having athird front side and a third back side; the third front side having asecond groove configured for accommodating a second strap; the thirdback side having a second bracket; the third portion extending generallyvertically from the second portion; and a fourth portion having a mouthwith a stop; the fourth portion extending from the third portion at anangle; wherein the first portion, the second portion, the third portion,and the fourth portion collectively define a cavity configured forretaining animal feed; wherein the second back side is generally concaveto facilitate the securement of the feeder to a tree; and wherein achannel extends continuously through the third back side and at least apart of the second back side; the first bracket, the second bracket, andthe channel being collectively configured for securement of a T-post. 2.The animal feeder of claim 1 further comprising a lid having a handle;the lid being configured to be removably secured to the first portion.3. The animal feeder of claim 2, wherein the first bracket has a holeconfigured to accept a clip of the T-post.
 4. The animal feeder of claim2, wherein the second bracket has a first notch and a second notch; atleast one of the first notch and the second notch configured to accept aclip of the T-post.
 5. The animal feeder of claim 2, wherein the channelhas a first slanting portion and a second slanting portion separated bya flat middle portion.
 6. The animal feeder of claim 5, wherein a heightof the stop is adjustable.
 7. The animal feeder of claim 6 furthercomprising a weighted block.
 8. The animal feeder of claim 7, whereinthe weighted block comprises at least one of grass and sand.
 9. Theanimal feeder of claim 8, wherein the second front side includes arecessed portion configured for the placement of indicia.
 10. The animalfeeder of claim 9, wherein the angle is an obtuse angle.
 11. The animalfeeder of claim 10, wherein the first groove and the second groove eachextend generally horizontally.
 12. The animal feeder of claim 11,wherein: the first portion further comprises a left side and a rightside opposing the left side; and the first groove extends continuouslythrough the left side and the right side.
 13. The animal feeder of claim12, wherein the first groove does not extend through the first backside.
 14. An animal feeder, comprising: a vertical portion having afront side, a back side, a left side, and a right side; a first grooveextending continuously through each of the left side, the front side,and the right side; the first groove configured for accommodating afirst strap; at least a part of the back side being generally concave tofacilitate the securement of the feeder to a tree; an angular portionextending from the vertical portion at an obtuse angle; the angularportion having a mouth with an adjustable stop; and a lid removablysecured to the vertical portion; wherein the vertical portion and theangular portion collectively define a cavity configured for retaininganimal feed; the cavity being accessible at least at the mouth; andwherein the back side comprises a channel, a first bracket, and a secondbracket; the first bracket, the second bracket, and the channel beingcollectively configured for securement of a T-post; at least one of thefirst bracket and the second bracket comprising a notch for accepting aclip of the T-post; wherein the channel has a first slanting portion, asecond slanting portion, and a flat portion; the flat portion separatingthe first slanting portion from the second slanting portion.
 15. Theanimal feeder of claim 14, wherein: the lid has a handle; and the frontside has a recessed portion configured for the placement of indicia. 16.An animal feeder, comprising: a rectangular bracket having a firstaperture and a second aperture; a T-post; and a vertical portion havinga front surface, a back surface, and at least one side surface; thevertical portion defining a cavity for retaining solid animal feed; theback surface having a concave section to facilitate securement of thefeeder to a tree; the concave section having a V-shaped channel and abracket supporting portion adjacent thereto; the V-shaped channelextending generally vertically and being configured to accommodate theT-post; the bracket supporting portion having at least a first openingand a second opening that is laterally aligned with the first opening;each of the first and the second openings configured to accept afastener for securing the rectangular bracket to the back side when theT-post is inserted into the V-shaped channel; the front surface having astrap retaining groove for accommodating a strap, and a mouth fordispensing the solid animal feed; the strap retaining groove extendinggenerally horizontally continuously through the front surface and atleast part of the at least one side surface.
 17. An animal feeder,comprising: a bracket having a first aperture and a second aperture; aT-post; and a vertical portion having a front surface and back surface;the vertical portion defining a cavity for retaining animal feed; theback surface having a concave section, a channel for accepting theT-post, and a bracket supporting portion adjacent the channel; thebracket supporting portion having at least a first opening and a secondopening; the first aperture and the second aperture configured torespectively align with the first opening and the second opening whenthe bracket is used to secure the T-post within the channel.
 18. Ananimal feeder, comprising: a T-post; and a vertical portion having afront surface and back surface; the vertical portion defining a cavityfor retaining solid animal feed; the back surface having a concavesection, a channel for accepting the T-post, and a bracket supportingportion adjacent the channel; the front surface having an openingdefining a mouth for dispensing the solid animal feed, and a strapretaining groove for accepting a strap; and a lid.
 19. An animal feederfor retaining and dispensing solid animal feed, comprising: a bodyhaving a front surface, a back surface, and two side surfaces; the bodydefining a cavity for retaining the solid animal feed; the bodycomprising: a first securing mechanism configured to facilitatesecurement of the feeder to a tree; the first securing mechanism havinga strap retaining groove configured to retain a strap, and a concavesection in the back surface; the strap retaining groove extendingthrough at least a portion of each of the front surface and the two sidesurfaces; at least a part of the back surface being devoid of the strapretaining groove; a second securing mechanism configured to facilitateindirect securement of the feeder to a ground surface using a T-postinsertable into the ground surface; the second securing mechanism havinga V-shaped channel extending through at least part of the concavesection, and a bracket supporting portion; the V-shaped channel having afirst slanting portion and a second slanting portion, the V-shapedchannel being configured to receive the T-post for supporting thefeeder; the bracket supporting portion having at least a first openingand a second opening laterally aligned with the first opening, each ofthe first and the second openings configured to receive a fastener tosecure a bracket to the back side when the T-post is inserted into theV-shaped channel; the first opening being outwardly adjacent the firstslanting portion; the second opening being outwardly adjacent the secondslanting portion; and a mouth for dispensing the solid animal feed; themouth being below the strap retaining groove.
 20. An animal feeder,comprising: a vertical portion having a cavity for retaining solidanimal feed; a front side of the vertical portion having a grooveconfigured to accommodate a strap; a back side of the vertical portionhaving a concave section, a V-shaped channel configured to accept aT-post, and a bracket supporting portion having at least a firstfastener receiving area and a second fastener receiving area that islaterally aligned with the first fastener receiving area; each of thefirst and the second faster receiving areas configured to accept afastener for securing a bracket to the back side when the T-post isinserted into the V-shaped channel; a mouth for dispensing the solidanimal feed; and a lid situated atop the vertical portion; wherein, eachof the first and the second fastener receiving areas are outwardlyadjacent the V-shaped channel.
 21. An animal feeder, comprising: avertical portion having a cavity for retaining solid animal feed; afront side of the vertical portion having a groove configured toaccommodate a strap; a back side of the vertical portion having aconcave section; the concave section having a channel and a bracketsupporting portion; the channel configured to accept a T-post tofacilitate securement of the feeder to a ground surface; the bracketsupporting portion having at least a first opening and a second openingthat is laterally aligned with the first opening; each of the first andthe second openings configured to accept a fastener for securing abracket to the back side when the T-post is inserted into the channel; amouth for dispensing the solid animal feed; and a lid situated atop thevertical portion.